Either test is acceptable. FSIMS, vol 5 ch 2 sec 14 (pdf link), para 5/597, D.2.
There are 60 questions in the IRA (Instrument Rating Airplane) test and 50 in the IFP (Instrument—Foreign Pilot). An endorsement is required for the IRA but not the IFP. From the FAA knowledge testing matrix (pdf link):
Authorization for FIH, FII, ICH, ICP, IEP, IFP, and IGI:
• Requires NO instructor endorsement or other form of written authorization.
An airman applicant may present one or more of the following acceptable forms of
authorization for IRA and IRH:
• Certificate of graduation or a statement of accomplishment certifying the satisfactory completion of the
ground school portion of a course from a FAA certificated pilot school. (14 CFR § 61.71(a))
• Written statement or logbook endorsement from an FAA authorized ground or flight instructor certifying
that the applicant is prepared to take the required knowledge test. (14 CFR § 61.65(a)(4))
What is a CB IR? What is required for the rating?
NCYankee wrote:
What is a CB IR? What is required for the rating?
Competency-Based IR – EASA/UK ICAO-compliant IR. Difference with “tradtional IR” is in the amount of theory – fewer hours for CB-IR, but no EASA “high-performance” aircraft (above FL250 or faster than, I think, 250KIAS and/or 0.6M), access to which can added separately with extra theory.
Unlike “traditional IR”, you can get to CB-IR via other paths and have training outside ATO for most of the 40hrs with IRI (just like in the UK). Requires only 10hrs with the ATO (flight school).
It refers to a standard Part-FCL IR gained through the competency-based (modular) IR course which has more favourable credits for prior instrument flight experience than the traditional Part-FCL IR course.
The amount of credit is determined by an approved training organisation subject to some hard constraints which depend on how the prior experience was acquired. Experience can be acquired from ICAO instrument instructors, freelance Part-FCL instrument instructors, or by using any licence whose privileges include flying under the IFR and in IMC.
Candidates who hold a valid ICAO IR and have 50 hours as PIC under the IFR are exempt from undertaking a laborious theory course, written exams, and further flight training.
The UK CAA describes the various options (link). The relevant rule is in appendix 6, section Aa, to Part-FCL (EU link).
Just EASA/CAA ways to label IR training differntly for those who done it under Part61 vs Part141 (it’s limited analogy, freelance instruction/exams, HPA exams, ATPL exams, to FAA land but you will get the point 
)
Surprisingly, the DPE I contacted told me the whole process from his side can be done via zoom.
Now I only need to get a IFP /IRA test.
What’s the latest on test centers in Europe? Maybe I don’t have to fly to the US for this after all…
HBadger wrote:
Surprisingly, the DPE I contacted told me the whole process from his side can be done via zoom.Now I only need to get a IFP /IRA test.
What’s the latest on test centers in Europe? Maybe I don’t have to fly to the US for this after all…
I am in the same boat, for 2 years now, I am looking to re-issue my FAA61.75, get FAA IR on basis of EASA IR and upgrade to FAA CPL (subject to TSA clearance), everything seems piece of cake and can be done outside US (via Zoom or DPE in EU) except IFP/IRA/CPL theory tests, these has to be done in the US
AFAIK, there are no FAA theory exams outside US, except few USAF bases in UK/Germany where FAA does organize tests, the answer I got they are not available to civilians, only to USAF personnel (not even to current/ex-NATO serviceman)
PS: if you have a lead please PM ;)
HBadger wrote:
Now I only need to get a IFP /IRA test.
With respect to whats been said already ….
I already held a UK Licence with I/R but wanted a stand alone FAA Licence with I/R, this was 15 years ago so things may have changed, and I could have been given the wrong info at the time, which was not not surprising with the amount of contradictory information being offered.
I sat the IRA test at Farnborough and when I submitted my documents I was told that I had sat the wrong exam, I should have sat the Instrument Rating Foreign Pilots exam, so I had to do it all over again.
Its amazing what you forget in 4 weeks
OK, i did a lot of googling and it seems it is virtually impossible to take the IFP test in Europe.
So I signed up in the US. Will fly there and take in 2 weeks. Seems the first attempt can be done without any prior endorsement/certificate/proof of any kind of preparation or course.
Now I need to prepare, my plan is to register for one of those test question online services/apps (i.e. skip the actual studying of theoretical content).
Any recommendations?
No more FAA written exams in Europe came in approx 5 years ago.
